A planned extension at the Crossflatts base of UK Asset Resolution to house staff moving from the North East may not be necessary, according to the firm’s boss.

UKAR, the state-owned business responsible for winding down the mortgage books of bailed-out lenders Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock, will be adding more staff at the former Bradford & Bingley head office as a result of a phased closure of an office in Gosforth, near Newcastle, due to a streamlining programme.

It has applied for planning permission to extend the Crossflatts premise, but chief executive Richard Banks said this may not be needed as around 200 extra staff could probably be accommodated in the existing building following an internal reorganisation. UKAR will keep the planning application in place just in case.

The company employs about 1,100 staff at its Crossflatts base.